What's happened
Colossal Biosciences is advancing its mission to revive extinct species, including the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. CEO Ben Lamm indicates that the dodo and Tasmanian tiger may be resurrected within three years, with significant funding and conservation efforts underway.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Nilima Marshall in The Independent, Colossal Biosciences is pursuing the revival of the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, with CEO Ben Lamm stating that the latter two species could be resurrected within three years due to their shorter gestation periods. Metro echoes this sentiment, highlighting the company's significant funding and celebrity endorsements. Meanwhile, The Scotsman reports on the broader implications of such efforts, noting the ethical and ecological challenges that accompany de-extinction initiatives. The Guardian provides historical context, emphasizing the unique status of the tuatara in New Zealand's biodiversity, which underscores the importance of conservation alongside de-extinction efforts.
How we got here
Colossal Biosciences, founded in 2021, aims to use gene-editing technology to revive extinct species. The company has raised $235 million, with notable celebrity investors, and is also focusing on conservation efforts for endangered species.
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